The grounds of Callanwolde have changed dramatically during the past 60 years. During the 1960's, the property was subdivided and two large tracts were sold. Of the original 27 acres, only 12 acres remain with the house. The landscape and architectural features located on the 15 acres that were sold have been altered or destroyed by subsequent development.
The DeKalb Federation of Garden Clubs adopted the grounds of Callanwolde in the early 1970's and attempted to restore aspects of the original landscape design. Although few original plantings survived, certain features of the original designs were still evident and oral history were available to aid in the re-creation. The DeKalb Federation of Gardens Clubs remains involved in projects relating to the Grounds today, although the actual maintenance of the grounds is performed by the DeKalb County Parks Department. The Federation maintains offices in the historic greenhouse, or Callanwolde Conservatory, pictured above right.
In 1973, two students (Frank Giulano and Gary Michalic) of the University of Georgia's Landscape Architecture program developed a master plan for Callanwolde's landscape. The students worked under the supervision of Dean Hubert Bond Owens, a long-standing Garden Club supporter. The Plan incorporated design elements of the historic grounds while accommodating the features necessitated by the estate's current function as a busy community center for the arts.
Photo Gallery
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The Courtyard and Court Garden
One area that exemplifies the changes to the grounds over the years is the Courtyard and Court garden. This area, bounded on three sides by the wings of the house and terminated by the carriage house was barren and in a state of disrepair when the property was acquired in the early 1970's. By the mid-1970's, the courtyard had been completely re-created. It was paved in red brick in a herringbone pattern and planted with crepe myrtles, bulbs and groundcovers. The court garden fountain, which had been damaged, was mended and restored to working order.
In the 1980's, the Courtyard area was completely enclosed to create additional space for special events at Callanwolde. A state-of-the art retractable glass roof, skylights and modern lighting and sound equipment were installed. The flooring remained reminiscent of the original brick paving with four lighter brick "planting pockets" installed in contrasting color.
The Grounds in the 1970's
The photo at right was taken during the dedication of the restored courtyard by the DeKalb Federation of Garden Clubs in December, 1974. The images below show the grounds and out buildings of Callanwolde before, during and after the comprehensive restoration efforts of the early 1970's. Click on the images for larger view.
